The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is a commander’s program and a service member’s responsibility. TAP provides transition assistance services to eligible service members with at least 180 or more continuous days of Title 10 active-duty service, except for those in training status. The program helps all eligible transitioning service members gain knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to be competitive and successful in the global workforce.
Service members begin the transition process 18 months prior to separation or 24 months prior to retirement, spreading requirements out over several months using a distributive model.
Along with service members, retired service members, family members, and Department of the Army civilians (experiencing a BRAC or RIF) are eligible for transition assistance services. Engaging with TAP early and often is statistically proven to increase the chances of post-transition success for service members.
The Army transformed the way service members transition to provide them with the greatest opportunity for a successful and productive post-service career. Congress mandated three requirements before a service member’s transition, and the Department of Defense added additional Career Readiness Standards (CRS). All requirements must be completed and documented on a service member’s DD eForm 2648.
Service members may attend one of four additional optional career tracks with commander’s approval and on a space-available basis. These tracks align with individual transition goals and include:
- Employment Track
- My Education Track
- Career Exploration and Credential Track
- Entrepreneurial Track
TAP Process
- Complete Self-Registration
- Visit TSCRS https://armytap.appsplatformportals.us or call the Virtual Center at 1-800-325-4715.
- Complete Self-Assessment
- Once completed, contact the Virtual Center TAP Counselor to schedule your Individual Initial Counseling (IIC).
- Attend Individual Initial Counseling (IIC)
- Meet with a TAP Counselor to discuss your Individual Transition Plan (ITP).
- Attend Pre-Separation Counseling (PSC) Brief
- Must complete the first three steps no later than 365 days before separation or release from active duty.
- Attend TAP Mandatory Classes and Workshops
- Based on tier assignment, courses may be completed via classroom, teleconference/webinar, or self-paced learning.
- Capstone Event
- The culminating event where commanders verify achievement of Career Readiness Standards (CRS) and a viable ITP.
- Must be completed no later than 90 days before separation or release from active-duty date.
Additional Support
Transitioning service members can call the Virtual Center at 800-325-4715 for assistance.
Visit TAP online at Army TAP. https://www.armytap.army.mil
Federal Employment Opportunities
Federal Employment Opportunities:
- FBI Jobs
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Transportation Security Administration
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- U.S. Department of Labor
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- U.S. Secret Service
- U.S. Small Business Administration
USA Jobs
USAJOBS Help Center | Veterans
Other State and Local Resources
Maryland Veterans Affairs
Army Career Skills Program
CSP: Frequently Asked Questions